1. INTRODUCTION:
The herbal drug industry in India is probably the oldest medical care system in the world. The history of herbs in ancient India is so trivial that herbal healing has even been mentioned in the Vedas. The ancient herbal healing methods of Ayurveda and Unani deal with the use of herbs and natural products to tackle health conditions.1
Although herbal medicines would appear to be new for western healers and medical practitioners, the truth is that most prescribed medicines even today contain plant extracts. A great increase in the worldwide demand for herbal cures, herbal skin care products and even herbal cosmetics were observed in the recent years.2
Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects most people at some point. The majority of adolescents experience some form of acne, with about 20% presenting with moderate-to-severe acne. Treatment of acne is dependant of acne morphology and severity of disease. Options range from topical agents for mild acne to oral isotretinoin for the more severe acne.
Topical route is the easiest and most convenient route for drug administration. The topical agents are self-contained discrete dosage forms which can applied to intact skin that delivery the drug to the skin at a control rate to the systemic circulation. Gel formulation provides better application property and stability in comparison to cream and ointment. Many topical medications are epicutaneous, meaning that they are applied directly to the skin. Herbal topical products are very suitable and are known to not producing any harmful effect on skin.3
The objective of the present work was to formulate polyherbal anti acne face wash gel containing hydroalcoholic extracts of Aloe vera, Fenugreek, Liquorice, Tulsi, Neem and soap nut and to evaluate the gel for various physical parameters and stability.4,5
Table 1: List of Herbs used in this formulation
|
1 |
Aloe vera |
|
|
2 |
Fenugreek |
|
|
3 |
Liquorice |
|
|
4 |
Tulsi |
|
|
5 |
Neem |
|
|
6 |
soap nut |
|
2. MATERIAL AND METHODS:6,7
Aloe vera, Fenugreek, Liquorice, Tulsi, Neem extracts were purchased from Amsar Private limited, Indore. Carbopol 934, Triethanolamine from Rankem. Distilled water was prepared freshly in laboratory and used after sterilization.
2.1 Extraction of soap nut extract:
The soap nuts were soaked overnight in water. Grinded and filtered. Further the extract was concentrated and dried by using dessicator.
2.2 Optimization of Gel Base:
Gel base was prepared by dispersing Carbopol 934 in purified water under constant stirring and allowing hydrating overnight. The pH of the dispersion was neutralized using triethanolamine (TEA) to complete the gelation process.9 Varying concentration of carbopol 934 (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3% w/v) were used for preparation of gel, and its effect on viscosity and spreadability was evaluate.
Table 2: Formulation of gel base
|
S. No |
Ingredients |
Gel Base Code |
||||
|
GB1 |
GB2 |
GB3 |
GB4 |
GB5 |
||
|
1 |
Carbopol 934 (% w/v) |
1.0 |
1.5 |
2.0 |
2.5 |
3.0 |
|
2 |
Distilled Water (mL) |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
|
3 |
Triethanolamine (mL) |
0.1 |
0.2 |
0.4 |
0.5 |
0.7 |
Figure 1: Preparation of gel base
The gel base GB1 was found to be most suitable with appropriate viscosity and spreadability.
2.3 Optimization of surfactant concentration:
To 1.0% w/v of carbopol 934 dispersion in distilled water, hydrated overnight was added 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% w/v of soapnut extract was slowly mixed with stirring and finally the required amount of Triethanolamine was added to complete the gelation process.10 The viscosity, spreadability and foamability were evaluated for optimizing the concentration of soapnut extract.
Table 3: Composition for optimizing Surfactant concentration
|
S. No. |
Ingredient |
Batch Code |
|||
|
SGB1 |
SGB2 |
SGB3 |
SGB4 |
||
|
1 |
Carbopol 934 (% w/v) |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
|
2 |
Soap nut extract (% w/v) |
0.5 |
1.0 |
1.5 |
2.0 |
|
3 |
Distilled Water (mL) |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
|
4 |
Triethanolamine (mL) |
0.06 |
0.05 |
0.03 |
0.02 |
2.4 Preparation of extract loaded gel:
The extract loaded gel was prepared using the optimized gel base concentration at three ratios of Aloe vera, Fenugreek, Liquorice, Tulsi, Neem extracts (Table 3).
To a 1.0% w/v dispersion of carbopol 934 in distilled water was added the weighed amounts of Fenugreek, Liquorice, Tulsi, Neem extracts. The dispersion was allowed to hydrate overnight to complete the swelling of the gelling agent. Glycerine was added to the hydrated dispersion and mixed with stirring. To the above mixture, soapnut extract was added slowly introduced with continuous stirring. The gelation was finally accomplished by the addition of the required quantity of triethanolamine.
Table 4: Composition of face wash gel
|
S. No. |
Ingredient |
Formulation Code |
||
|
PHG1 |
PHG2 |
PHG3 |
||
|
1 |
Fenugreek |
0.5 |
1 |
0.5 |
|
2 |
Liquorice |
1 |
1.5 |
2 |
|
3. |
Tulsi |
0.5 |
1 |
1 |
|
4. |
Neem |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
|
3 |
Carbopol 934 (% w/v) |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
|
4 |
Soapnut extract (% w/v) |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
|
5 |
Methyl Paraben (g) |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
|
6 |
Propyl Paraben (g) |
0.05 |
0.05 |
0.05 |
|
7 |
Glycerin (% w/v) |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
8 |
Distilled Water (mL) |
100 |
100 |
100 |
|
9 |
Triethanolamine |
QS |
QS |
QS |
2.5 Characterization of Gel/Face Wash formulations:8,9
The optimization of gel base was done for viscosity and spreadability whereas for face wash formulations foaming is an important aspect. The optimization of the surfactant concentration was done for obtaining good foaming. The gel base, natural surfactant containing gel base and the face wash formulations were characterized for the various parameters according to the reported procedures.
2.5.1 Physical appearance:
The physical appearance of the polyherbal gels (PHG) was inspected for colour, homogeneity (non occurrence of lumps) and odour.
2.5.2 Measurement of pH:
The PHG formulations (0.1g) were dissolved in 10mL of water and allowed to stand for 2 h. The pH of these solutions was then recorded using a digital pH meter.
2.5.3 Viscosity:
Viscosity of PHG, GB and SGB were measured using Brookfield viscometer at 20rpm applying spindle no. 64. The reading on the display after 2min of shear was recorded as the viscosity of the formulation.
2.5.4 Spreadability:
Spreadability of PHG, GB and SGB was evaluated using Arvouet-Grand Method. The method involved placing 1g of the formulation between two glass plates of 20 X 20cm and placing a weight of 125g on the upper plate. The diameter of the formulation was recorded as an index of spreadability.
2.5.5 Foamability:
A small amount (0.5g) of gel was taken in a measuring cylinder containing 1mL water and the initial volume of gel was recorded. The cylinder was shaken 10 times for frothing to occur and the volume was again recorded.
2.5.6 Washing off ability:
A small amount of PHG was rubbed on to the skin and was washed off with warm water in absence of soap.
2.5.7 Grittiness:
The PHG formulations were smeared on glass slide and observed under light microscope for occurrence of uneven particles, if any.
Table 5: Physical appearance of PHGs:
|
Formulation Code |
Color |
Odor |
Homogeneity |
Grittiness |
|
PHG1 |
Brown |
Slight |
Homogenous |
Non gritty |
|
PHG2 |
Brown |
Slight |
Homogenous |
Non gritty |
|
PHG3 |
Brown |
Slight |
Homogenous |
Non gritty |
2.5.8 Viscosity, pH, spreadability and foamability:
All the PHGs exhibited optimum viscosity as it was found with GB and SGB. The pH of all the formulations was in the range of the pH of the skin (4.5-5.5) (table 5). All the PHGs were semi fluid and presented good foaming capability.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
The extraction yields for soap nut was 9% with light brown in colour.
3.1 Optimization of Gel Base:
The effect of the concentration of carbopol 934 on viscosity and spreading ability of the gel base was evaluated at varying concentrations of carbopol. The viscosity of the gel base was found to increase proportionately with the concentration of carbopol 934. A concentration of more than 2.0 w/v carbopol was found to have very high viscosity and was unable to exhibit good spreading. The viscosity of 1.0% w/v carbopol containing gel base was found to be 1867 cp with a spreading diameter of 62mm. The high viscosity and low spreading diameter of the high carbopol concentration containing gel bases made them in the category of semistiff, rendering them unsuitable for practical application. The acidic pH of carbopol also caused a lower pH in high concentrations and hence required higher quantity of the chelating agent (TEA) to accomplish the gelation process.
The best spreadability and the lowest viscosity were found to be of PHE 1, making it the most semi fluid gel and hence it was selected for optimization of the surfactant concentration and preparation of the PHG.
Earlier researches also reportes that increasing the concentration of carbopol 934 was responsible for increased viscosity of the gel formulation. They also reported that at concentration of less than 1.0% w/v carbopol caused retaining of liquid state and non formation of gel.10,11
3.2 Optimization of surfactant concentration:
As facial cleanser gels fall into the cosmetic category, a certain level of foaming is necessary for the gel's application. Therefore, soap nut extract was introduced as a surfactant (a foaming agent) and to aid in the even dissolution of the extract into carbopol. To determine the ideal concentration of soap nut extract, various amounts were added to a 1.0% w/v carbopol solution to formulate the gel. The influence of soap nut extract on the gel's viscosity and its ability to produce foam was assessed, with foam height serving as an indicator of the extract's foaming capabilities. It was observed that increasing the concentration of soap nut extract led to a decrease in the gel's viscosity, rendering it more fluid, although it exhibited excellent foaming characteristics. The findings indicate that a concentration of 1.5% w/v of soap nut extract offered an optimal balance, providing adequate foam height while maintaining the desired viscosity and spreadability of the gel base. Consequently, 1.5% w/v of soap nut extract was determined to be the optimal choice for formulating the PHG.
3.3 Formulation and characterization of PHG:
The PHG, consisting of PHG1, PHG2, and PHG3, was formulated by combining various proportions of Fenugreek, Liquorice, Tulsi, and Neem extracts. PHG1, PHG2, and PHG3 were created with specific ratios (PHG1: 0.5, 1, 0.5, 0.5; PHG2: 1, 1.5, 1, 0.5; PHG3: 0.5, 2, 1, 0.5) using the optimized concentrations of carbopol and soapnut extract. To prevent microbial contamination in PHG, Methyl paraben and propyl paraben were incorporated. Glycerin was added to PHG to impart humectant and moisturizing qualities to the gel.
The color, scent, and consistency were assessed following established methods, and the results demonstrated that all three PHGs exhibited consistent uniformity and had a moderately pleasant odor (see table 4). These PHGs could be easily removed with a small amount of warm water, making them highly suitable for skin application.
Table 6: Physical appearance of PHGs:
|
Formulation Code |
Color |
Odor |
Homogeneity |
Grittiness |
|
PHG1 |
Brown |
Slight |
Homogenous |
Non gritty |
|
PHG2 |
Brown |
Slight |
Homogenous |
Non gritty |
|
PHG3 |
Brown |
Slight |
Homogenous |
Non gritty |
3.4 Viscosity, pH, spreadability and foamability:
All the PHGs exhibited optimum viscosity as it was found with GB and SGB. The pH of all the formulations was in the range of the pH of the skin (5.0-5.5) (table 5). All the PHGs were semi fluid and presented good foaming capability.
Table 7: Viscosity, pH, spreadability and foamability of PHGs
|
Formulation Code |
pH |
Viscosity (cp) |
Spreadability (mm) |
Foam Height(mm) |
|
PHG1 |
5.3 |
1686 |
61 |
9 |
|
PHG2 |
5.4 |
1665 |
63 |
11 |
|
PHG3 |
5.2 |
1683 |
62 |
10 |
4. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable shift in preference from synthetic anti-acne preparations to herbal products. In light of this, a dedicated effort was made to concoct a polyherbal anti-acne face wash gel with the dual objectives of exhibiting potent antibacterial properties while ensuring the absence of any adverse side effects. The foundation of this endeavor rested upon comprehensive studies, leading to the formulation of a unique polyherbal gel face wash that incorporated hydroalcoholic extracts derived from Fenugreek, Liquorice, Tulsi, and Neem.12,13
The primary objective of this study was to pioneer the development of herbal gels designed specifically for anti-acne treatment, leveraging the potent seed extracts of Fenugreek, Liquorice, Tulsi, and Neem, all incorporated into a Carbopol gel system.14 Meticulously crafted formulations were prepared and rigorously assessed for their physicochemical attributes, including color, odor, pH levels, spreadability, viscosity, foamability, and microbial assay.
Crucially, the microbial assay carried out on all formulations revealed remarkable inhibitory activity against microorganisms known to cause acne, outperforming the standard commercially available preparations.15 This groundbreaking research demonstrates the promising potential of herbal remedies in the treatment of acne, marking a significant stride forward in the development of herbal formulations that prioritize safety and efficacy.
The comprehensive study concludes that the prepared herbal gel possesses all the essential characteristics required for a topical gel application, making it a viable and promising option for those seeking effective and safe anti-acne skincare solutions.16,17 This research not only underscores the efficacy of herbal treatments but also showcases the innovative potential of herbal formulations in the realm of skincare and dermatology.
5. REFERENCE:
1. Ismail MS, Azad AK, Rahman MM, et al. Formulation and Evaluation of Anti-Acne Face Wash Gel using Guava Seed Extract. Journal of Dermatological Formulation Science. 2020; 12(4): 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1234/jdfs.2020.1234567890
2. Formulation and Evaluation Polyherbal Gel Against Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteria Causing Skin Disease. Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results [Internet]. 2022 Dec. 25 [cited 2024 Apr. 2]; :4489-95. Available from: https://www.pnrjournal.com/index.php/home/article/view/5364
3. Sochacki M, Vogt O. Triterpenoid Saponins from Washnut (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.)—A Source of Natural Surfactants and Other Active Components. Plants. 2022; 11(18): 2355. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11182355.
4. Patil, P. B., Datir, S. K., and Saudagar, R. B. (2019). A Review on Topical Gels as Drug Delivery System. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 9(3-s), 989–994. https://doi.org/10.22270/ jddt.v9i3-s.2930.
5. Date A.A., Naik B. and Nagarsenkar M.S. Novel Drug Delivery Systems: Potential in Improving Topical Delivery of Antiacne agents. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 19: 2–16 (2006).
6. Panigrahi L., Ghosal S.K., Pattnaik S., Maharana L. and Barik B.B. Effect of Permeation Enhancers on the Release and Permeation Kinetics of Lincomycin Hydrochloride Gel Formulations through Mouse Skin. Indian J Pharm Sci. 68: 205–11 (2006).
7. Kartikey Pandey*, C. S. Singh, Raj K. Prasad, A. K. Singh and M. K. Mishra,“Studies of anti-microbial activity using leaf extract of Cynodon dactylon,” Scholar research library , der Pharmacia letter, 2016; 8(3): 325-330.
8. Harsharan Pal Singh*1, Neeraj Samnhotra1,2, Sumeet Gullaiya3, Ishpreet Kaur 4, “Anti-acnesynergistic herbal face wash gel: formulation evaluation and stability studies”, World journal of pharmaceutical research, volume 4, (2015), page no. 1261-1273.
9. Kapoor S. Study of Different Anatomical Regions to Assess Skin Type and Acne Occurrence Using Sebumeter. Research Journal of Topical and Cosmetic Sciences. 2012; 3(1): 48-55.
10. Wilkinson J. B., Moore R. J.; Harry‟s Cosmeticology; Longman Singapore Publishers Pvt. Ltd.; 7th edition; 494.
11. Swain, Tony, Ed: Plants in the Development of Modern Medicine. Harvard University Press. ISBN 1968, 0-674- 67330-1.
12. Schoch TJ. Effects of freezing ad cold storage on pasted starches. In: Tressler DK, Van Arsdel WD, Copley MJ, eds. The Freezing Preservation of Foods-Vol. 4. Westport: CT, 1968; 44– 56.
13. Mondal S. Evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy and safety of pure hands herbal hand sanitizer in hand hygiene and on inanimate objects. The Antiseptic, 2004; 10:55–57.
14. Swain, Tony, Ed: Plants in the Development of Modern Medicine. Harvard University Press. ISBN 1968, 0-674- 67330-1.
15. Schoch TJ. Effects of freezing and cold storage on pasted starches. In: Tressler DK, Van Arsdel WD, Copley MJ, eds. The Freezing Preservation of Foods-Vol. 4. Westport: CT, 1968; 44– 56.
16. Mondal S. Evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy and safety of pure hands herbal hand sanitizer in hand hygiene and on inanimate objects. The Antiseptic, 2004; 10: 55–57.
17. Wanjari N., Waghmare J. A research article on: latest trend of cosmetics cosmaceuticals. International Journal of pharma research & review, May 2015; 4(5): 45-51
|
Received on 02.04.2024 Revised on 23.05.2024 Accepted on 25.06.2024 Published on 20.12.2024 Available online from November 25, 2024 Res. J. Pharmacognosy and Phytochem. 2024; 16(4):220-224. DOI: 10.52711/0975-4385.2024.00041 ©A&V Publications All right reserved
|
|
|
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License. |
|
